Fatwa

Women going to mixed gyms

Question

I would like to know whether it is permissible for a woman to go to a gym where both men and woman workout, claiming that woman only gyms do not contain all the necessary equipment desired for a workout, whether they wear tight fitting clothing or loose fitting clothing. And whether “the Intention of not seeking male attention” while exercising would make it permissible. Does intention in this matter play a role? Can a husband stop his wife from going to such a gym?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said,

عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، قَالَ: الْمَرْأَةُ عَوْرَةٌ، فَإِذَا خَرَجَتْ اسْتَشْرَفَهَا الشَّيْطَانُ.

Translation: “A woman is to be concealed. When she exits (the house), shaytan tempts her and seduces (others) through her.” (Tirmidhi-1173)

The above is with regards to a woman who simply leaves the house whilst adequately covered. Imagine what happens when one is at the gym with the opposite gender where there is little to no modesty?

It is not permissible for a woman to go to a mixed gym at all. These excuses are mere ploys of shaytan. It is the husband’s duty to prevent her from going to such gyms.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Bilal Pandor

Concurred by
Mufti Nabeel Valli

Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah
Lusaka, Zambia

www.daruliftaazambia.com